What is ISO 9001 and why is it important?

You may have heard of the term “ISO 9001” before, but do you know what it means? If not, the knowledgeable staff at C Tek Lean Solutions will happily fill you in. ISO 9001 is a quality standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It is the largest organization in the world responsible for creating International Standards. Companies are not required to meet ISO standards, but doing so shows a commitment to a higher level of product quality and customer care.

 

What are ISO Standards?

 

One of the main standards used in trade and manufacturing is 9001, which is the standard that ISO developed specifically for regulating and measuring quality. ISO has several other internationally recognized standards too, including 4001, which is an environmental standard, and 27001, which is an international ISO standard for information security management.

 

ISO 9001:2015

 

Occasionally, ISO standards are updated to provide clarification and other changes. The term “ISO 9001:2015” is the latest version of the 9001 standard that was introduced in 2015. Most recently, the ISO standard was updated with minor changes to clarify and refine the standard’s clause for design and development. The ISO standard was initially published in 1987. It underwent changes in 1994 and then had a minor revision in 2000. The standard had more significant revisions in 2008 and most recently in 2015.

 

What Does ISO 9001 Certification Mean?

 

Of all the ISO standards that exist, 9001 is the only standard that has a certification process. By becoming ISO-certified, businesses show that they have met and will abide by all guidelines associated with the ISO 9001 standard. Additionally, they must be committed to fulfilling all ISO requirements. ISO-certified companies must meet the requirements of their customers as well, along with regulatory requirements set by the industry. Companies must retain documentation and reports to demonstrate ISO compliance.

 

How are Companies Certified?

 

Companies can become ISO certified in several ways. One is through the ISO organization itself. Companies may also receive their ISO certification through third party organizations. Organizations that choose to become certified through an independent third party must have their certification checked more frequently.

 

Benefits

 

Becoming 9001:2015 certified has a number of benefits for companies and their customers. Becoming ISO-certified allows companies to maintain a certain level of quality in their products and services. Adopting ISO standards also allows companies to create a solid quality management system (QMS). ISO-certified companies regularly improve their processes, and they also ultimately save costs ranging from employee training to production.

 

Customer satisfaction is a main benefit of ISO certification. Organizations that obtain ISO 9001 certification generally have higher levels of customer satisfaction than those that do not. Additionally, they have a positive customer image and quite often get a leg up compared to the competition. Suppliers and others in the manufacturing chain are also more likely to conduct business with a company that has adopted ISO certification measures.

 

For more information on ISO 9001 certification and the benefits that it can provide to your customers and company, don’t hesitate to contact C Tek Lean Solutions.